Oceanside class of 2018 graduates

Tradition and growth were two themes apparent through the nearly 30 minutes of addresses at Oceanside High School’s 2018 graduation last Friday.

Sitting on plastic folding chairs that outgoing Board of Education President Kimberly Grim Garrity said had become tradition in the nearly four decades since her own graduation from the school, the 474 capped and gowned seniors braved blustery and unseasonably cold weather as they prepared to move into the next stage of their lives.

There was talk of growth that had already taken place. Oceanside Schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Harrington spoke of what she saw as a defining moment for the 2018 class: the student-organized walkout in March, honoring the 17 students and teachers killed in the February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., which Harrington said was proof that through their 13 years as a class, they had exemplified the school motto.“Together, you are an ocean,” she said.

There was also talk of growth. In her speech, class salutatorian Josena Joseph spoke of how a life going according to plan has the potential to make you miss out on unseen possibilities. “When you spend all of your time planning your life out a certain way,” Joseph said, “you might prevent yourself from noticing certain things that matter the most.”

Valedictorian Alex Meyerowitz spoke of experience, or the recognition of one’s lack of it, as an avenue for growth. “If I had any wisdom to give all of you,” he said, “it’s to recognize this lack of experience in yourselves, to listen to those around you and always stay open to the possibility of changing your minds.”